The Santa Clara Baseball League's semi-finals begin tomorrow, with a couple of games.

Portage Padres are home to Carberry Royals at Rotary Republic Park in one of them.

The Padres' Rod McLeod says the Royals look good right now.

"Coming off a big victory against Minnedosa -- first time they've beaten them in a playoff series -- they'll be fired up and ready to go."

At the same time, McLeod points out the Padres have done well against Carberry.

"Early on in the year, we played a really complete game," he says, "We beat them 11-1. We hit, and we pitched, and played good defence, and that's what we'll looking to do. We'll probably go with Jason Kirkland on the mound, to start, and go from there."

McLeod says the Padres know what they have to do in this series.

"They've got a couple of good bats in their line-up," he says, "And they have to really good pitchers, so we have to get on them early, and not let their pitchers settle in."

McLeod acknowledges it's been a while since the Padres have been on the field.

"So hopefully, we can get to the ball park early," he says, "Maybe get some swings in, and just hit right away. If we get hitting right away, I think our confidence will grow, and good things will happen for us."

Tomorrow's game starts at 7 o'clock.

The other semi pits Dauphin Brewers versus the Cubs in Neepawa.